At Precision Eye Care, we understand how frustrating the gritty, sandy feeling of dry eyes can be. In many cases, however, dry eye is actually caused by a blockage of your meibomian glands. These blockages can disrupt your tear quality and lead to persistent irritation.
You can help unclog meibomian glands with a combination of consistent at-home care and professional treatments from your eye doctor. Simple habits like warm compresses and gentle lid hygiene can provide relief, while in-office procedures like IPL offer a more direct approach for stubborn blockages.
What Are Meibomian Glands & Why Do They Clog?
Your eyelids contain tiny glands called meibomian glands that produce the oil that makes your tears function properly. Every time you blink, this oil is mixed with your tears, creating a protective layer that helps prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.
When the meibomian glands become blocked, the resulting lack of oil causes your tears to evaporate too quickly, often resulting in dry eye.
Common Causes of Blockages
Several factors can lead to clogs or blockages in the meibomian glands. Common contributors include age, hormonal changes, and extended time spent looking at digital screens. Wearing contact lenses can also play a role in developing blockages.
Signs of Clogged Glands
When your meibomian glands are clogged, you may experience symptoms that closely resemble dry eye. You might notice:
- A gritty or sandy feeling
- Redness and irritation
- Vision that becomes blurry at times
- Eyes that water excessively
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Simple At-Home Care for Clogged Glands
You can take a few effective steps at home to help open up blocked glands. These simple routines can soothe discomfort and support your eye health. Consistency is important for positive results.
Use a Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to your closed eyelids for several minutes can help open up your meibomian glands. The gentle heat works to soften or melt the hardened oils causing the blockage.
Try a Gentle Eyelid Massage
Immediately after using a warm compress, you can try a light massage. Use your fingertip to gently press along the eyelid margin toward the lash line. This can help express the melted oil from the glands.
Practice Good Eyelid Hygiene
Keeping your eyelids clean helps remove debris and bacteria that can contribute to clogs. Use a gentle cleanser specifically made for the eye area. This helps maintain a healthy environment for your glands to function properly.
What You Should Avoid with Clogged Glands
Don’t Squeeze Your Eyelids
You should never try to squeeze or pop a bump on your eyelid. Applying forceful pressure can damage your meibomian glands or push bacteria deeper into the tissue. This could lead to more serious issues, such as infection or a corneal ulcer.
If you experience a sudden increase in pain, you should seek emergency eye care.
Avoid Harsh Scrubs & Soaps
Avoid using abrasive facial scrubs or harsh soaps near your eyes. These products can strip the natural oils from your skin and cause further irritation. Stick to products designed for sensitive areas like your eyes.
How to Protect Your Meibomian Glands
Adopting a few good habits—and giving up on bad ones—can help protect your glands from future blockages. Here’s what we recommend:
Factors That Can Harm Your Glands
Infrequent blinking—a common symptom of digital eye strain—and poor contact lens hygiene often contribute to problems. Certain health conditions may also affect gland function.
Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Remember to blink completely and often, especially when using a computer or phone. You can also practice the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles time to relax and gives your eyes a moment to recover and blink.
Professional Treatments for Lasting Relief
Sometimes, at-home care isn’t enough to resolve persistent blockages.
If your symptoms continue or get worse despite your best efforts at home, it’s a good idea to seek professional care. Professional in-office treatments like OptiLight by Lumenis can offer more effective and lasting relief. These treatments are designed to warm up and clear the meibomian glands, and they’re often much more effective than at-home options.
Get a Personalized Care Plan
Everyone’s eyes are different, and your eye care should reflect that. At Precision Eye Care, we can develop a treatment plan that combines professional and ongoing at-home care routines.
Visit us today for routine eye exams, trend-setting eyewear, and a welcoming touch that will make you and your family feel at home. Or, book an appointment and let our optometrists prioritize your eye health.
